OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 26 – 1 November October 2005 | 1 U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S
OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS P.O. Box 38712, East Jerusalem, Phone: (+972) 2-582 9962 / 582 5853, Fax: (+972) 2-582 5841 [email protected], www.ochaopt.org
Protection of Civilians - Weekly Briefing Notes 26 October – 1 November 2005
Of note this week • Violence continued to escalate this week resulting in a sharp increase in Palestinian and Israeli casualties; including a suicide bombing in Israel and IAF aerial strikes targeting Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. • For the last Friday Prayers in Ramadan, IDF and Israeli Border Police further increased movement restrictions into Jerusalem compared to previous Friday prayers during October.
1. Physical Protection
Casualties
50 40 30 20 10 0 Total Children Women Injuries Deaths Deaths Deaths Palestinians 47 13 3 0 Israelis 32 5 0 2 Internationals 0000
• 26 October: A 19-year-old Palestinian from Qabatyia village, Jenin, conducted a suicide attack in Hadera city in Israel killing 5 Israelis and injuring approximately 30 others. The Islamic Jihad group claimed responsibility for the attack. • 26 October: Israeli settlers from Kiryat Arba’ severely beat one Palestinian man from Wad Al Huseen neighbourhood of the H2 area of Hebron city. • 26 October: Three Palestinian boys (aged 10, 13, and 16 years old) were injured in the Palestinian town of Yatta, Hebron, after IDF soldiers during a search an arrest campaign responded to stone and bottle throwing by firing live bullets. • 27 October: Israeli settlers from the outpost of Tel Rumeida, Hebron, injured 3 members of a Palestinian family (42 and 48-year-old parents and their 13-year-old daughter) in the H2 area of Hebron city. • 27 October: Seven Palestinians, including 3 children aged 14 and 15 years old (2), were killed and another 19 bystanders wounded, including two seriously, in an IAF targeted missile strike on a vehicle in Jabalia camp, the Gaza Strip. • 27 October: A Palestinian youth stoned an Israeli vehicle near Silwad village, Ramallah. One Israeli was injured. • 28 October: One Palestinian militant was killed and another injured when the vehicle they were traveling in was targeted by IAF helicopter missiles in Beth Hanoun, the Gaza Strip. • 30 October: A 30-year-old Palestinian man was shot and injured when the IDF opened fire in the direction of the evacuated northern settlement area in Al Seafa, the Gaza Strip. • 30 October: Four Palestinian boys (aged 9, 13, 15, and 16 years old ) were injured by the IDF in the Palestinian town of Dura, Hebron. The confrontation took place when the IDF detained a group of local Palestinian residents. The IDF fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets toward a group of Palestinian stone throwers, injuring four of them.
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• 30 October: Two Palestinian gunmen were killed (aged 22 and 29 years old) and another 8 Palestinians injured after an exchange of fire between the IDF and Palestinian gunmen when the IDF surrounded a house in Qabatyia village, Jenin. • 30 October: A group of Israeli settlers from Elon Moreh, Nablus, injured a 73-year-old Palestinian shepherd from Beit Dajan village while he was grazing his sheep in fields east of the settlement. • 1 November: Palestinians threw explosive devices at the IDF in Jenin city, Jenin, during a search and arrest campaign. One IDF soldier was injured. Two Palestinians were also injured during the clashes. • 1 November: Two Palestinians were killed and five injured in an IAF targeted missile strike on a vehicle traveling in Jabaliya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip.
2. Shelter and Property:
• No incidents to report.
Other shelter/property related incidents: • 27 October: A bridge in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip, was damaged by an IAF missile strike • 28 October: The main electricity former was damaged north of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, when IAF fired two missiles into uninhabited areas. • 28 October: A group of Israeli settlers from Kedumim settlement occupied an empty Palestinian house in Jit village, Qalqiliya, for several hours.
3. Natural Resources:
Land levelling/Requisitions/Tree Uprooting1
Nablus, Jenin and Tubas Governorates: No incidents to report.
Tulkarm Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - Land levelling around Avnei Khefets and Enav settlements continues for the construction of a new fence around the settlements.
Qalqiliya Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - The IDF continues levelling land near Immatin village and between ‘Azzun and Kafr Thulth for the construction of the Barrier.
Salfit Governorates: Ongoing incidents: - Israeli contractors continued levelling land north of Salfit city, Iskaka and Deir Istiya villages and south of Marda and Kifl Haris villages around Ari’el settlement and near Az Zawiya village for the construction of the Barrier.
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate: 27 October: The IDF handed out a land requisition order, T/70/05, for 180.5 dunums (18.5 hectares) from Beitillu village for military requirements in the area. 27 October: The IDF handed out a military order to a Palestinian farmer from ‘Abud requesting him to stop work and evacuate his 40 dunums (4 hectares) of land which is located near Ofarim Settlement. Ongoing incidents: - Land levelling for construction of the Barrier continues between Budrus to the south of al Midya, and between Kharbatha Bani Harith, Bil’in and Saffa villages (all west Ramallah). Land levelling for Barrier construction also continues between Beituniya and Beit ‘Ur al Fauqa, between At Tira and Beit Duqqu, south of Beit Liqya and north and south of Rantis checkpoint.
1 4 dunums = 1 acre; 10 dunums = 1 hectare
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Hebron Governorate: 26 October: In area adjacent to the western entrance of the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba, Israeli settlers erected tents over land belonging to Palestinian farmers from Wad Al Hussen area, H2 area Hebron city. The IDF evicted the settlers and demolished their temporary constructions. Later, settlers from Kiryat Arba settlement attacked Palestinians living in the area and threw stones and bottles toward their houses. One Palestinian was injured (reported in Section 1) and three houses were moderately damaged (windows broken etc). Ongoing incidents: - Land leveling for construction of the Barrier is ongoing along the southern section of the Green Line. The contractors are paving the security road running along the Barrier to the south of Shani settlement. In the western section the Barrier has reached Ar Ramadin, as well as along the western side of Idhna. Israeli contractors are also leveling land for a new terminal along the last section of Road No. 60 before crossing into Israel.
Bethlehem Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - Contractors for the construction of the Barrier fenced in the area around Khallet an Nu’man. The main road from Al Khas is open with high presence of the IDF in the area. The local community is facing problems in accessing the main internal road on wet days as the quality of the road has deteriorated during the construction of the Barrier. - Land levelling and new housing construction continues in the settlements of Efrat and its two northern outposts (Givat Hatamar and Givat Hadagan), as well as northeast of Neve Daniel, and in Har Gilo and Betar Illit. - Construction of the Barrier is ongoing in the last section of the Barrier around Rachel’s Tomb north of the building hosting the Al Waqf.
Jerusalem Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - The construction of the Barrier is ongoing all along the projected route in the Jerusalem governorate; exceptions to this are northeast of Al ‘Eizariyya towards Ma’ale Adumim settlement and the Bir Nabala planned enclave.
Jericho Governorate: No incidents to report.
The Gaza Strip: 26 October: The IDF informed the Palestinian DCO that eastern parts of Beit Hanoun had been declared a closed military zone. Ongoing incidents: - Construction continues on a concrete wall north of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia.
4. Restrictions on Medical Assistance:
West Bank: • 23 October (previously not reported): A PRCS ambulance trying to transport an injured person at Beit Furik checkpoint, Nablus, to hospital was denied access to the patient and returned to the base. • 25 October (previously not reported): A PRCS ambulance was delayed by the Israeli Border Police at Allenby bridge checkpoint for 30 minutes while on route to transport a patient from the Border Crossing to Jericho city.
The Gaza Strip: • This week, 7 out of 112 Palestinian medical referrals were denied access at Erez crossing for treatment in Israel.
5. Access and Movement for Civilians:
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a) Curfew
• No incidents to report. b) Access to Education
West Bank: Nablus: • 27-30 October: The IDF closed Beit Furik checkpoint for all persons except residents of Beit Dajan village. About 60 teachers from other villages were unable to reach schools in the area and schools were forced to close. • 27 October-1 November: About 300 students from Beit Furik village were unable to attend schools and universities in Nablus city because of the closing Beit Furik checkpoint. Tulkarm: • 29 October: The IDF closed Khirbet Jubara Barrier gate prohibiting the school bus from collecting the students from Khirbet Jubara village west of the Barrier. Hebron: • 29 October: Teachers and students from Cordoba elementary school in H2 area of Hebron city were attacked by a group of Israeli settlers from the settlement of Beit Hadassah. The settlers threw stones and empty bottles towards the Palestinian students. • 30 October: The Israeli military escort resumed for the Palestinian students who travel from Tuba to attend their classes in At Tuwani School, south Hebron. The escort had been suspended since the 16 October. The escort has been provided since 2004 to protect the students from attacks carried by Israeli settlers from the Ma’on settlement. • Ongoing incidents: - Teachers coming from the Palestinian towns of Yatta and Samu’ are still facing problems in reaching Imneizil elementary school as IDF soldiers deny them access at Beit Yatir checkpoint. - Children attending the Al Ibrahimmiyye primary school in the H2 area of Hebron city who approach it from the south continue to have to pass through metal detector gates set up by the IDF north of the Abu Rish Mosque. c) Access to Employment
This week, the IDF and Border Police continued to impose external closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; workers and traders with valid permits were not allowed to enter Israel. This closure has been in place since 24 September.
Hebron: Special permits were issued for workers in the agricultural sector and large traders.
d) Closures/Movement restrictions The external closure imposed on the oPt since 24 September is still in place. Permits previously issued are no longer valid and only in some limited humanitarian cases was access facilitated to Israel.
Nablus Governorate: 19-29 October: The IDF prohibited Palestinian private vehicles from crossing Za’atara checkpoint in both directions. Only public transportation and commercial trucks were allowed through. 29 October: The IDF prohibited any vehicle carrying agricultural produce from crossing Hamra checkpoint in both directions. 29 October: The IDF closed Road No. 57 near Badhan village for all Palestinians for several hours. 27 -30 October: The IDF closed Beit Furik checkpoint except for residents of Beit Dajan village. 31 October: The IDF prohibited male residents under 30 years old from using Beit Furik checkpoint. 1 November: The IDF prohibited Palestinians residents of Tulkarm and Qalqiliya cites from entering Nablus through the checkpoints around the city. Ongoing incidents: - Shave Shomeron checkpoint remains closed.
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- All entrances connecting Sabastiya village with Road No. 60 remain blocked by earth mounds. - Hamra checkpoint remains closed for all Palestinian non-residents of the Jordan Valley. Medical personal and teachers are allowed through.
Jenin Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - All entrances to Ya’bad village are closed by the IDF with road blocks and barbed wire. Only one alternative road towards Jenin city is open through Kufeirit village. - Road No. 585 from Mevo Dotan settlement entrance to Khermesh settlement entrance is closed with two checkpoints. - The metal gate at a road leading from Ya’bad town and the two checkpoints on Road No. 585 near Mevo Dotan and Khermesh settlements entrances are hindering Palestinian movements in the area. Palestinian are using dirt roads to reach there charcoal factorises and olive groves in the area Tubas Governorate: 29 October: The IDF prohibited all vehicles carrying agricultural produce from crossing Tayasir checkpoint in both directions. Ongoing incidents: - Tayasir checkpoint remains closed for all Palestinians non residents of the Jordan valley. Medical personal and teachers are allowed through.
Tulkarm Governorate: 26 October: The IDF closed the tunnel under Road No. 557 near Kafriat checkpoint preventing all Palestinian movements for several hours. 29 October: The IDF closed a road connecting Bal’a with Al ‘Atara villages with earth mounds. 29 October: The IDF closed Khirbet Jubara Barrier gate for all Palestinians denying access for residents of Khirbet Jubara village west of the Barrier. 30 October: The IDF closed a road connecting Dihinnaba with Kafr Al Labad villages with earth mounds. Ongoing incidents: - The IDF continues to prevent Palestinians with Israeli IDs from entering Palestinian controlled areas unless they have relatives living in Tulkarm. - The ‘Anabta gate remained closed for Palestinian vehicular movement. - The IDF is still manning a checkpoint west of ‘Anabta village on the junction to Bizzariya village.
Qalqiliya Governorate: No major incidents to report.
Salfit Governorates: Ongoing incidents: - The IDF continued to close the entrance of Deir Istiya with an earth mound and closed the gate at the entrance of Kafr ad Dik.
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate: 26 October: The IDF removed the restriction on Palestinian movement on bypass Road No. 465 and 60 which was in place since 16 October. Palestinian vehicles were allowed to drive on both roads. 26 October: In the late afternoon, the IDF removed the earth mound that had been erected at the main entrance to Turmus’ayya on 19 October; Palestinian vehicles were allowed to drive on bypass Road No. 60 in this area. 26 – 28 October: The IDF closed An Nabi Salih gate. Palestinians from Bani Zeid village cluster were forced to use a long alternative road via ‘Abud to avoid the gate. The gate was reopened on 29 October. 28 October: At around 9 am, a few thousand Palestinians from all West Bank governorates were stranded at Qalandiya check point after being prohibited from entering Jerusalem to attend the last Friday prayers in the Al Aqsa mosque during Ramadan. Palestinians above 45 years old were allowed entrance to Jerusalem after 10am. Ongoing incidents: - Temporary vehicular and pedestrian arrangements are now in place at Qalandiya checkpoint while construction of the new checkpoint continues. The main road through the old checkpoint is now closed. Traffic is being rerouted to a new road
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to the east that joins the main road between Qalandiya and Jaba'. A temporary fenced walkway is in place for pedestrians.
Hebron and Bethlehem Governorates: Movement restrictions remain in place for private Palestinian vehicles on Road No. 60; only Palestinian taxis and buses were allowed to move between Zif junction (Road No. 317) and Al Khadr (Road No. 60, in Bethlehem). Entrance into Bethlehem is possible through the Beit Jala DCO checkpoint.
Hebron 26 October: The IDF relaxed the closures around Yatta and As Samu’ towns by opening Al Fawwar junction for Palestinian public transport. The gates and road blocks were opened both from Dura and Al Fawwar entrances. The IDF has set up road blocks and checkpoints on the junction monitoring movement in all directions. 26 October: The IDF reopened the Adh Dhahiriya junction from Road No. 60. No public Palestinian transportation is travelling to the south of that junction. 31 October: The IDF re-opened Halhul-Sa’ir junction for Palestinian public transport. Taxis and buses were allowed to access Road No. 60. Private and commercial vehicles with valid permits were also allowed to travel along Road No. 60. The checkpoint which was erected two weeks ago remains manned by IDF soldiers. 31 October: The IDF reopened the gates at the Idhna - Tarqumiya junction (across Road No. 35). 31 October: The Israeli Border Police denied the access of Palestinian vehicles travelling from Al Karmil to At Tuwani by crossing Road No. 317. Ongoing incidents: - The IDF continue to close Zif gate from Road No. 317. - The IDF continued to close with earthmounds Yatta gate from Road No. 60. - In the village of Imneizil the construction of the Barrier continues to close the main road which leads to the village forcing residents to use a difficult and insecure road to enter the village from the nearby bypass road.
Bethlehem 28 October: The IDF restricted Palestinian movement to Jerusalem including Palestinians with valid Jerusalem permits preventing access to the Al Aqsa Mosque for last Friday Prayers during Ramadan. Limited humanitarian cases were the exception. The IDF and Border Police erected a flying checkpoint on the main roads from the southern West Bank to control the flux of people toward Jerusalem. People coming from Hebron were denied access at the Etzion checkpoint between 6:30 - 11:30 am. An Israeli Border Police flying checkpoint was also deployed along Wadi Nar preventing all movement (vehicle and pedestrian) towards the north, except for residents of Abu Dis and nearby villages. 1 November: The IDF reopened the Beit Jala DCO checkpoint for all vehicles in both directions. The checkpoint is open from 6am to 10 pm.
Jerusalem Governorate: 26 October- 1 November: The tight closure at checkpoints around Jerusalem was of note during the reporting period and numerous flying check points were visible throughout East Jerusalem. All Palestinian males with West Bank IDs aged between 16 to 45 years old were not granted access into Jerusalem even with an Israeli permit. 28 October: During the morning, the IDF closed all the checkpoints around Jerusalem and prevented access of West Bank Palestinians to attend Ramadan last Friday prayers. Palestinian crowded near Ar Ram and Anata checkpoints and the IDF fired tear gas canisters at them; no serious injuries were reported. At around 10am, the IDF allowed Palestinians above 45 years old to access the checkpoints to Jerusalem. 28 October: The IDF closed the road leading from Qalandiya checkpoint to Atarot checkpoint. Barrier construction is taking place in the area with the aim to continue the section of the Barrier near Qalandiya and Al Ram area for the new arrangements at Qalandiya checkpoint.
Jericho Governorate: Ongoing incidents: - Palestinian West Bank residents from areas outside of the Jericho Governorate are denied access at Yitav checkpoint near Road No. 449, north of Jericho. Jericho residents can cross the checkpoint from south to north to go to Al Auja.
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Travel on Road No. 90 north of Al Auja is not allowed unless Palestinians have a special permit from the IDF. Residents from approximately five Palestinian villages in the north of Jericho District are allowed to travel on Road No. 90 north of Yitav checkpoint without a permit.
Reported flying checkpoints – West Bank: Total # of flying Governorate Location, # of flying checkpoints in brackets checkpoints Nablus #57 near; Badhan, Al ‘Aqrabaniya. 2 Jenin No flying checkpoints observed. 0 #588 near; Tubas city, Tammun. Entrance off; ‘Ein el Tubas 4 Beida(2). Near; Bal’a, Ar Ras, Al Jarushiya, ‘Anabta. Between; Tulkarm 6 Tulkarm and Kafriat, ‘Anabta and Bizzariya. Entrance off; DCO(3). #60 near; Jit junction. #55 Qalqiliya near; Izbat at Tabib. Between; Qalqiliya and Habla. 10 Near; Jayyus(2), Hajja, ‘Azzun. Salfit Near; Iskaka(2). 2 Ramallah and Al Bireh No flying checkpoints observed. 0 Jerusalem Numerous in East Jerusalem observed. n/a Jericho No flying checkpoints observed. 0 Bethlehem Dar Salah, Al ‘Ubeidiya, Za’tara, Beit Jala, ‘Ayda 11 camp, Al Khadr(4), Ash Shawawra, Husan. Hebron Adh Dhahiriya, Zif gate(4), As Samu, Ar Ramadin(2), 37 Khursa, Yatta(5), Beit Ummar(3), Dura(3), Beit Kahil, H1(6), Halhul(2), Idhna, Tarqumiya, Al Fawwar(4), Sa’ir, Ash Shuyukh. Total West Bank 72+
6. The Olive Harvest: • 26 October: The IDF denied the access of international volunteers and Palestinian farmers from the Palestinian village of Karma from reaching their olive trees in area adjacent to the Israeli settlement of Otni’el, Hebron. • 29 October: Israeli settlers from Susya settlement, Hebron, denied the access of Palestinian farmers to their olive trees. The settlers entered the Palestinian olive groves and harvested around 40 trees. IDF and Israeli police arrived to the area and detained three of the settlers. • 29 October: IDF closed all Barrier gates in Qalqiliya governorate for all Palestinians. Farmers were unable to reach there fields and olive groves west of the Barrier. • 31 October: IDF closed Mas-Ha Barrier gate in Salfit governorate for all Palestinians. Farmers were unable to reach there fields and olive groves west of the Barrier.
7. Additional Protection Issues: • 25 October – 1 November: Palestinian militants fired 54 home made rockets and 2 mortar shells from the Northern Gaza Strip towards the southern Israeli town of Sderot. IAF aircrafts fired 29 missiles into open areas east of Beit Hanoun and IDF ground forces stationed at the Green Line fired artillery shells 45 times at various locations east of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and eastern Khan Younis. • 25 October – 1 November: IAF F16s produced some 25 sonic booms by flying at a low altitude and breaking the sound barrier across the Gaza Strip. • 26 and 29 October: Settlers from the Israeli settlement of Beit Hadassah, Hebron, threw stones and empty bottlers toward the houses of the Palestinians living along Shohada street, H2 area of Hebron city. • 28 October: Palestinian and international protesters held a demonstration against the Barrier construction in Bil’in, Ramallah. The protesters stoned IDF jeeps and soldiers responded by firing rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters. At least 13 people were affected by the gas inhalation. • 30 October: The IDF destroyed 50 metres of the main water pipe which supplies water for the Palestinian town of Idhna, Hebron. The destruction took place when the IDF bulldozers reinforced the closure near the entrance of the town from Road No. 35.
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• 1 November: The prisoners’ family visits to Israeli prisons in West Bank resumed being suspended since 24 September 2005.
Searches/Arrests/Detentions Total # of Location of arrests/detention, number of Total # of Governorate Arrested/ searches noted at locations with brackets Searches Detained Nablus Beit Furik(1), Nablus city(3). 4 3 Qabatiya(5), ‘Anza(2), Jenin city(3), Jenin Jenin camp(2), Kafr Ra’i(1), ‘Arraba(1), Az 15 38 Zawiya(1). Tammun(3), Flying CPs (2) near Tubas city, Tubas 4 2 Tubas city(1). Tulkarm city(2), Nur Shams camp(1), Farun(1), Tulkarm Seida(2), Tulkarm camp(1), ‘Attil(2), ‘Illar(2), 11 14 Kafriat CP. Qalqiliya Jayyus(1), ‘Azzun(1). 2 2 Salfit No incidents to report. 0 0 Ramallah/Al Ramallah city(1), Qalandiya camp(1). 2 3 Bireh Jerusalem No incidents to report. 0 0 Jericho No incidents to report. 0 0 Bethlehem Al ‘Ubeidiya(1), Za’tara(1), Bethlehem city(4), 19 7 Beit Fajjar(1), Beit Jala(2), ‘Ayda camp(2), Al Khadr(5), Ash Shawawra(1), Husan(1), Battir(1). Hebron Adh Dhahiriya(2), As Samu’(2), Yatta(5), Beit 33 11 Ummar(3), Dura(4), H1(6), Halhul(2), Idhna(1), Ash Shuyukh(2), Beit Awa(1), Tarqumiya(2), Al Fawwar camp (3). Total Week West Bank 90 80 Gaza Strip No incidents to report. 0 0 Total Week oPt 90 80
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Appendix: Checkpoints Status 26 October – 1 November 2005
Checkpoint Status
Tulkarm: Taybeh Open from 5.30am to 5pm for UN and international organisations and Palestinians with permits. Since 24 September Palestinians with permits were denied access to Israel due to total closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Efrayim The checkpoint is constructed as a crossing point into Israel for Palestinian workers and traders and others from Tulkarm Governorate with a special permit. On 29 June the checkpoint became operational from 4am – 7pm and Palestinian workers and traders are instructed to cross through. Since 24 September Palestinians with permits were denied access to Israel due to total closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Kafriat The checkpoint is manned and physically divided into three parts: one that controls movement to and from Tulkarm town; one that controls movement to Israel proper; and one that controls movement to and from Jubara. On 24 August the Tunnel near the checkpoint under road 57 was opened reducing the need to use the checkpoint. Qalqiliya: Qalqiliya DCO Unmanned. Jaljoulia Access through this checkpoint is only granted for holders of permits into Israel and residents of Ras Tira, Ad Dab’a, Wadi Ar Rasha, Ramadin and Arab Abu Farda. Ambulances from Qalqiliya town to these five villages need prior coordination with DCL. Only vehicles leaving the West Bank are subjects for security checks. Since 24 September Palestinians with permits were denied access to Israel due to total closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Salfit: Deir Ballut Officially open between 6am and 6pm The checkpoint controls movement between Ramallah and the villages in the western part of Salfit District. Kafr Qasem Open 24 hours for UN and international organisations and (Road No. 5) Palestinians with permits. Since 24 September Palestinians with permits were denied access to Israel due to total closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. ‘Anabta Gate Re-established 14 July 2005. Closed but Palestinians are allowed to use the back to back system to cross in and out of Tulkarm. Nablus: Huwwara Open for humanitarian organisations and Palestinians. Israeli citizens, Southern main entrance Palestinian holders of Jerusalem IDs and holders of international passports are subject to prior liaison with the IDF before access can be granted. Movement is allowed from 4:30 am to 8 pm. Beit Iba Open for humanitarian organisations and Palestinians. Israeli citizens, Western entrance, mainly Palestinian holders of Jerusalem IDs and holders of international for trade passports are subject to prior liaison with IDF before access can be granted. Incoming movement is allowed from 6am to 11 pm. Outgoing movement is allowed from 6am to 6 pm. Sarra Closed except to villagers from Sarra or Qusin, who occasionally are South western entrance, let through. before the closure regime main road to Qalqiliya Qusin Closed by a gate and an earth mound since mid-March 2004; traffic Internal closure Between diverted through Beit Iba checkpoint. Sarra and Nablus Al Tur Only open for Samaritans. The gate is occasionally open for vehicles. Southern checkpoint connecting the Samaritan district of Jarzim with Nablus City Beit Furik Open for villagers from Beit Furik, Beit Dajan, and Open between 6am Eastern gate and and 6pm. checkpoint. After the closure regime main gateway between Nablus
OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 26 – 1 November October 2005 | 10 and the Jordan Valley Shave Shomeron Since 15 August the checkpoint is closed for Palestinians. Only (Sabastia) humanitarian vehicles are allowed through. Northwest, main road to Jenin Maale Efrayim Closed for Palestinians unless having permits. Southeast connecting Jericho and Nablus Hamra Closed for Palestinians unless having permits Palestinians from Frush East, before closure regime Beit Dajjan and Al Jiftlik villages are allowed to pass the checkpoint main road to Jordan, Tubas, without permit. IDF bulldozing land near the checkpoint to expand it. Jenin Zaatara (Tappouah) Vehicular movement for residents of northern west bank (Jenin, South, main road to Tubas, Nablus, Tulkarm and Qalqiliya) is prohibited unless they have a Ramallah special permit. Jenin: Al Jalama Main entrance to Open between 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday to Friday Israel Imreiha (Reikhan) Open between 7 am to 9 pm. Main gate to the Barta’a ash- Sharqiya/ Umm ar Rihan enclave Tubas: Bisan Open 24 hours for permit holders. Main entrance to Israel Tayasir Gate IDF closed Tayasir checkpoint for all Palestinians non residents of Gate to the Tubas eastern the Jordan valley. Doctors and teachers are allowed through. agricultural lands in the Jordan Valley Ramallah/Al Bireh: Qalandiya Open daily 24 hours for vehicles and pedestrians. Long delays now usual during rush hours due to new traffic arrangements because of ongoing construction for the new checkpoint. West Bank residents, Jerusalem ID holders, and foreign passport holders have access without permits. Jewish and Arab Israeli citizens and Arabs from the Golan are prohibited from crossing into Ramallah. Vehicles with West Bank registration cannot pass unless they have a special permit. Ambulances and trucks with food products are permitted to cross. Bet El/DCO Open daily from 6am to 10pm. Access in vehicles only for diplomats, foreign passport holders, UN staff, international humanitarian organisations, and Palestinians with special work permits. Atara Bridge (partial) Open. An Nabi Salih gate (partial) Open. At Tayba (partial) Open. Makkabim Usually open for Israelis, Jerusalem ID holders and foreign passport On Highway No. 443 holders. Road No. 443 is off limits to oPt Palestinians, except those with permits to enter Israel/Jerusalem. Ni’lin Usually open for Jerusalem ID holders, foreign passport holders and Palestinians with permits to enter Israel. Rantis Usually open for Jerusalem ID holders, foreign passport holders and Palestinians with permits to enter Israel. Jerusalem: Hizma Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank Eastern entrance of junction and Gaza Strip Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff Road 437/Psigat Ze’ev requested on several occasions to show personal ID/national settlement passports in addition to their UN ID card. Az Za’ayyem Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank North eastern entrance on and Gaza Strip Palestinians with permits and internationals. Road 1. Ar Ram Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank Northern entrance on Road and Gaza Strip Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff No. 60 north. requested on several occasions to show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Bir Nabala/Atarot Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank Northern entrance on Road and Gaza Strip Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff No. 404 /45 Road Atarot requested on several occasions to show personal ID/national Junction. passports in addition to their UN ID card. Ramot Alon Open for Israelis, Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards, West Bank
OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 26 – 1 November October 2005 | 11
North western entrance on and Gaza Strip Palestinians with permits and internationals. UN staff Road No. 436 requested on several occasions to show personal ID/national passports in addition to their UN ID card. Shu’fat Refugee Camp/ Open 24 hours for Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs and UN and Anata Checkpoint international organisations; Palestinians from the West Bank need a permit. West Bank vehicles are not allowed. Container (“Wadi nar”) Open for Palestinian vehicles with permits (taxis and municipality East of Abu Dis, main transit trucks), humanitarian reasons and for internationals. Permits not between north and south West required for Palestinian pedestrians. Israeli- yellow plate cars are not Bank allowed to cross. Jericho DCO Open daily 24 hours, after the IDF handed security control of Jericho Main checkpoint off Road No. to the Palestinian Authority on 16 March 2005. Open for everyone but 1 Israelis. Vehicles with West Bank registrations can pass without permits. Al Auja (Yitav) Open 24 hours for Palestinian living in Jericho District. Prohibited for On Road 90 Palestinians holding West Bank ID cards from other governorates. Gate opposite Allenby Gate manned by the IDF. Closed at all times. Soldiers open the gate Checkpoint off Road No. 90 for shuttle busses taking Palestinians to Allenby Border Crossing to Jordan. Bethlehem Gilo Open 24 hours for humanitarian organisations. No Palestinian-plated North entrance to Bethlehem cars allowed. On the 24 of September, external closure was imposed on the Palestinian territory; Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to pass. On 28 October, all Palestinians were denied access regardless of age or permit. Ein Yalow Open 24 hours and only for Israeli-plated cars and international Bypass road east of Walaja, organisations On the 24 of September, external closure was imposed on Green Line on the Palestinian territory, Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to pass. Beit Jala DCO Reopened and manned by IDF movement is alloed in both directions Entrance to Beit Jala for all kind of vehicles including privet cars. Open from 6 am-10 pm. Tunnels Open 24 hours for humanitarian organisations. After the external Road No. 60 at Har Gilo closure which was imposed on the 24 of September. On Friday the border police closed the barrier gate from Bethlehem side and dined the access of Palestinians. Palestinian with special permits and Jerusalem ID were allowed to cross. Settlers’ Checkpoint - Efrata Open 24 hours only for settlers. Checkpoint manned by settlers; Southern entrance to movement beyond it restricted for Palestinians. settlement Gush Etzion Open 24 hours. Following the 16 October attack, IDF soldiers are On Road No. 60, at Etzion turn restricting movement and are checking all vehicles coming from the direction of Hebron. On 28 October it was closed from 6:30-11:30 am
Wadi Fukin Open 24 hours. After the external closure which was imposed on the Crossing to Israel on Road 24 of September Palestinians with Jerusalem permits are not allowed 375, Green Line to pass Al Jab’a Open 24 hours. After the external closure which was imposed on the Crossing to Israel on Road No. 24 of September Palestinians with Jerusalem permits are not allowed 367, Green Line to pass Ein Gedi On bypass Road 90. Used to be located close to the Avnot On Road No. 90, along Dead settlement but has now been moved south to the intersection with the Sea. settlement of Mitzpe Shalem. On the 24 of September, external closure was imposed on the Palestinian territory, Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to pass
Hebron Beit Awwa Crossing along Road 354 only for humanitarian organisations and At entrance to Negohot critical service providers. settlement, on Road 354 Tarqumiya On the 24 of September, external closure was imposed on the Entrance for commercial Palestinian territory; no Palestinians workers are allowed to cross. goods (back-to-back), west of Prisoners’ families’ visits did not take place. Hebron on Road 35 for both Hebron and Bethlehem districts Meitar Manned by Israeli Border Police. It was moved 200 meters to the On Road 60, Green Line after south On the 24 of September, external closure was imposed on the intersection with Tene Palestinian territory, Palestinians with valid permits are not allowed to settlement road. pass
OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 26 – 1 November October 2005 | 12
Shani Manned by the IDF. A military base has been established nearby. At turn for Shani settlement on Road 317. Beit Yatir Manned by the IDF. Open 24 hours. Residents of Imneizil village are On Road 316, at the turn for allowed to cross but other Palestinians are asked for permits. the settlement of Beit Yatir Teachers going to Imneizil school are being denied access. Prayers Road, H2 Closed to Palestinians. Access to area of Ibrahimi Mosque Shohada street, H2 Open to Palestinians living beyond it and in the Tel Rumeida area in Western entrance to Shohada accordance with a list held by the IDF at the checkpoint. Access street possible only on foot. The metal detector near the checkpoint is used to check all Palestinians including schoolchildren on their way to the Al Ibrahimmiyye school. Ibrahimi Mosque, H2 Worshippers and visitors searched upon entry. Access to the Mosque Bab Al Baladiyye , H2 The checkpoint is closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of (formerly Shalala Street) Shohada Street. Soldiers on the checkpoint search all goods going Next to settlement of Beit toward the old city. Reports of IDF soldiers taking fingerprints of male Romano Palestinians walking into the Kasabah area. Qarantina, H2 Closed to Palestinians Junction with Shohada Street Bab Al-Khan, H2 Closed to Palestinians heading in the direction of Shohada Street and Entrance to Avraham Avinu north toward the market. settlement Tel Rumeida, H2 Open only to Palestinians travelling on foot living between it and the Beginning of street leading to settlement. settlement Al Kasaba, H2 Permanent checkpoint which filters Palestinian movement from the Exit from the Kasaba, old city Kasaba area directed to the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Movement is (Tomb of the Patriarchs) segregated for incoming and outgoing movement. Palestinians exiting the Kasaba are processed through a combination of turnstiles, allowing one person at a time to pass, and a metal detector. The process is slow and extremely problematic during Friday prayers. Ar Ramadin New permanent checkpoint established in September 2005, manned At entrance to Ar Ramadin by IDF soldiers who check and search Palestinian civilians travelling village from Road 325 to and from a cluster of Palestinian villages (4,000 people) around Ar Ramadin area. The checkpoint also restricts the movement of Palestinians and Arab Israelis on Road No. 325. Gaza Crossings/Checkpoints Erez crossing Since 24 September Erez has been closed for Palestinians, with a little exception for people with special humanitarian needs. On 26 October Erez checkpoint was completely (including for internationals) closed following the suicide bombing in Hadera. On 27 October It was partially reopened for internationals entering Gaza at 1.50pm and for departures at 2.15pm and remained totally closed for Palestinians with a little exception for the critical humanitarian case. Rafah Passenger Terminal Since 24 September; Rafah crossing was closed. On 30 October, Rafah terminal was temporarily opened at 10.00am until 7.00pm. 1315 were people were reported to have arrived 247 to depart.
Commercial checkpoints: Tulkarm/Qalqiliya
Taybeh The back-to-back system has been operational from 5.30am to 5pm except on Saturday.
Nablus Awarta checkpoint Open from 6am to 6pm. Sunday to Friday Main commercial checkpoint in Nablus since July 2003. Jenin Al Jalama Open between 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday to Friday Northern entrance/ main commercial check point. Ramallah/Al Bireh
OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes 26 – 1 November October 2005 | 13
Beituniya Open for commercial goods and a back-to-back system is in Back-to-back checkpoint operation. Only Palestinians from Kafr ‘Aqab and Sameeramees holding Jerusalem IDs and driving Israeli yellow-plated trucks are allowed to pass through this checkpoint without using the back-to- back system. This checkpoint is not open for private cars or pedestrians. ICRC and UN vehicles are permitted to cross. Officially open 7am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 1pm on Fridays and closed Saturdays. Jericho Back-to-back checkpoint/DCO Open but only for basic necessities, including dairy products. Other checkpoint goods need a permit to be brought in. Closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. Opening hours are 6am to 8pm. Gaza Strip
Karni On 26 and 27 October Karni commercial crossing was closed. On 28, 30 and 31 October, Karni was reopened both sides at 1.00pm. Sufa On 26, 27 and 28 October Sufa crossing was closed. On 30 October, it was reopened from 7.30am - 5.00pm.
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Method and Sources The information used to compile these Briefing Notes comes from a range of sources with a field presence in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The accuracy of the reported information is ensured through the corroboration of reports by two additional sources. Typically, the OCHA Field Coordination Unit (FCU) receives an initial incident report from a source, which is verified through visits to the incident site in addition to further corroboration with a third source, such as an NGO. In addition, OCHA FCU collects military orders as documentary evidence and provides information on incidents witnessed in person.
In the interests of timeliness and readability, the sources are not listed for each incident within the texts of the report. Listed below are the sources relied upon each week in compiling this Briefing: - Physical protection: OCHA FCU, (Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), World Health Organization (WHO), Israel Defence Forces (IDF) website, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), offices of Palestinian Authority (PA) governors, Palestinian DCL. - Shelter and property: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL. - Natural Resources: OCHA FCU, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, UNRWA, Palestinian District Civilian Liaison Office (DCL), Village Councils, Land Defence Committee and Land Research Centre. - Access for Medical Assistance: OCHA FCU, WHO, PRCS, Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), UN World Food Programme, UNICEF, UNRWA. - Access and Movement for Civilians: Sources: Palestinian DCL, Christian Peacemakers Team (CPT). - Curfews: Sources: OCHA FCU, Village Councils, UNRWA, Palestinian DCL. - Access to Education: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Palestinian DCL, Village Councils. - Access to Employment: UNRWA, United Nations Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East (UNSCO), Palestinian Ministry of Labour (MoL), Palestinian DCL, Palestinian Chamber of Commerce, Israeli DCL. - Closures/Movement Restrictions: Source: OCHA FCU, UNRWA. - Additional Protection issues: Sources: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), UNSCO, Palestinian DCLs, Palestinian Governors’ offices, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, IDF.